What about getting a Macaw

[Whistler]

Hi Everyone,
I am new to this forum and Fairly new to keeping Birds.
I volunteer at a Bird Rescue and over the 6 or so months I have done that I became attached to a Blue & Gold Macaw- DNA sexed Female named Charlie.
I guess I will be losing her because they found a Great Home for her. She has some special needs w/ Meds and things. Anyway, I have really been contemplating getting a B & G for myself. I currently own a White Face Cockatiel and I wiill admit that I have been bit by the Bird Bug. I have always owned a Dog and still do but honestly I never knew how Great Birds really were. Having Birds and Dogs honestly to me is like having the best of 2 worlds. Dogs for their Unconditional Affection and Love and Birds for their incredible communication skills and intrigue. I am posting because right now I have an opportunty to get a Male B & G that is 20 years old named Toby.
I met him once. I did not handle him. they said that he was Tame and he was out of the cage on a stand but I did not have him step up. and overall he appeared a little scared of me- Not bad though. He seemed very Vocal and smart. My only concern is what would be the best way to go about building a relationship w/ him and possibly taking him for myself. The issue is that I do not have Big Bird Experience but on the other hand I have Great Bird Experience. I study Nutrition,enrichment/training,etc. I would like to say that I am a good bird owner. I really would love to have a Macaw and really the only thing that stands in my way is lack of Big Bird Handling Experience. Just curious what Macaw people think. If their is a way to make a Macaw a forever home I would like to do it and honestly will work hard at providing the best home possible. I realize obviously that Birds have Moods- My Cockatiel even does- but a Cockatiel that is in a bad mood is different obviously than a Macaw. I have been studying Bird Body Language- Pinning of eyes, Ruffled Crest, Croutching down etc. I figure that I will eventually get bit and am not terrified of it but honestly I would like to avoid it if I could. I definitely would like Feedback from people about what to do etc because I do not want to create a stressful situation for the Bird if I were to get him. He is currently owned by a Couple that have a baby on the way so time is somewhat limited too ! Any or all feedback is appreciated.

Thanks,
Frank

[Congobongo]

First off, you need to convince yourself you are not intimidated by the size or the beak. Or by the Blue and Gold 'bluffing'.

If Toby is coming from a loving and caring person, then he most likely will readily learn to trust you in a couple weeks. I would say if you could visit one more time and observe the bird with it's current owner that might be beneficial. Don't be too concerned if the bird is nervous about you. You are a stranger right now so, that is normal.

When I first brought Lola into my home I would leave her out on top of her cage for lots of time. I would stand and talk with her, say her name. Every time I passed the cage I would stop and speak to her for a few minutes. After about 2 weeks she would run over to me. And when she did that I would offer my arm and say 'step up'. She would put one foot up, think twice and not. But one day she just jumped right up! She's been my goofy partner ever since. See, on that day she decided to trust me.

Now, I also have a Green Winged that I adopted from rescue and I was aware she was not raised in a good home. She took a lot longer. And with her I would sit next to the cage and talk to her, read a book or magazine out loud. She started to come closer to me I think just out of curiosity. I would offer my arm but she wouldn't take it. I finally gave her a little nudge from her behind to step up and she did! One day she did the same thing, just took the leap of faith to trust me and when I offered my arm she jumped right up. She gives me kisses now!

It does take time and patience. Go slow. Let them get to know that you are to be trusted. And with birds that doesn't happen over night, they are not like a dog. But, you will know when they take the leap! It is like a light switch! They not only then trust you...they love you!

Good luck and go for it.

[KimM]

Good for you and the research you have done so far. My advice on handling the "big" guys is to just do that... handle and work with them. See if you can set up some visits with the owner of the B&G. One thing you will learn is the birds pick you, not the other way around. They either like you or they don't. You can build a bond with them over time in most cases once you earn their trust. It will depend on the bird, their background, upbringing, personality etc. One thing that seems consistent with B & G's is they're usually clowns and very active.

Also, just to let you know, a macaw's whole MO is intimidation. They will test you just like a child to see what they can get away with, so discipline is important as well as love and TONS of patience.

I got Newton at 8 wks and the bond was almost instant. It was really love at first site for both of us. I can do anything to Newton and he doesn't care.

Elliot is a much different story. When he was a hatchling, he actually hated me. Our bond didn't develop until much later when he was about 15 mos old, then we just hit it off for whatever reason. Now he's extremely attached to me ... and Newton. I still cannot do to him some of the things I do with Newton, but we're making progress and I've had him for almost 2 yrs now.

Another thing I would look for is a good Avian Vet in your area and have him checked out "before" you agree to take him home. Better to spend $$$ upfront to see what you're getting into than to have a disabled/ sick bird that will cost you mega $$$ that you may not be prepared for. OR you can ask the owners to provide you with some medical records.

Just to give you a few "CONS" to owning these animals.. They're messy, loud, can be obnoxious during molting and/or breeding season, extremely destructive, expensive i.e. toys, food, cages, etc. and will sometimes test your patience to the limit.

the PROs. You won't find a more fun, loving, intelligent, challenging and rewarding animal. If it's one thing I've truly learned from these animals is "building" a relationship based on trust, mutual respect, patience and understanding. I can't imagine my life without mine!

IMHO, you definitely have the right outlook and attitude for having one of these animals. Good luck! We're here to help you.

[nanmadpad]

I have also got a rehomed bgm and she was very nervous about being in our home. We let her adjust at her own pace and now we all get along great. It took about 3 mths for her to be completly comfortable in her new home and neither hubby or myself have ever been bitten by apollo. You sound like you can handle a big bird so go for it. I was very afraid of that huge beak but i no longer give it a thought. I am more apt to get bit by my bratty grey then my macaw. Hope this helps in your decision.

[chinniechantel]

I agree that you should try to handle some macaws to get the feeling down. It is different to hold a 1000 gram animal with sharp claws, but you get used to it really fast. I am a huge baby when it comes to pain and I really do not mind their claws at all...my young macaw grabs on really tight to my arm, but for some reason what would normally hurt me does not hurt with birds, the nails never puncture the skin, just are very strong! The beaks are pretty easy to get used to...but you must get used to the playful jabs they will take, they always do it and they are just playing. If you move then they may hurt you on accident, but even my 5 month old baby already knows how hard is too hard for playing and pinching. I am much more scared of my cockatoo's beak than a macaws. I have seen tons of cockatoo bite pictures and never a macaw one, so that can also tell you something. You cannot let them know you are afraid, that is really important.

Can you go spend more time with the bird you are interested in? I think that would be a great idea.

[Whistler]

Thanks Everyone for their responses. It gives me encouragement. People Talk about Macaws being Clowns and Toby certainly fits that. He seems like a Big Clown. Even when I was there he would say “Come Here” motion was his head and then Start Laughing. He did at one point lift his foot up so in a sense I think he either wanted to step up or he was at least thinking about it. I think that the reason I really have taken to Macaws is they seem to have the same personality as I do. I have been called a Big Clown a lot myself. I agree that I just need to proceed without fear but Give him the time and space to get used to me.
I will give them a call this evening and maybe I can arrange another visit. I do have an excellent Avian Vet and would plan on taking him there if I got him. The Couple does have Vet Paperwork up to this point also. This gives me encouragement.
Thanks!

[CaptainGentleGiant]

Last month I got a green wing macaw, named Captain. He is about 35 years old. This is the first large bird I've ever owned. In fact, you have more experience than me. I did basically the same thing CongoBongo did. I calmly talked, sung and would read near Captain. After a few days, he stepped up and has been a loving bird ever since.

Keep in mind, I am new to all this. But, here are my cons. Messy, poopey, needs LOTS of attention. It's like I having an ADHD child here. When he is out, I am constantly watching. He gets into all kinds of mischief.

The pros are, loving companion and like having a person living with you that really wants to be with you.

I'd get everything ready before he gets there. Figure out where you are going to put his cage. Figure out a good routine and rules for both of you to be happy.

Toby will be a lucky bird to live with you.

[ROYJOY]

yes get him. after a while you'll wonder why you didnt get one long ago.

[MissV]

Originally Posted by KimM

Good for you and the research you have done so far. My advice on handling the "big" guys is to just do that... handle and work with them. See if you can set up some visits with the owner of the B&G. One thing you will learn is the birds pick you, not the other way around. They either like you or they don't. You can build a bond with them over time in most cases once you earn their trust. It will depend on the bird, their background, upbringing, personality etc. One thing that seems consistent with B & G's is they're usually clowns and very active.

Also, just to let you know, a macaw's whole MO is intimidation. They will test you just like a child to see what they can get away with, so discipline is important as well as love and TONS of patience.

Another thing I would look for is a good Avian Vet in your area and have him checked out "before" you agree to take him home. Better to spend $$$ upfront to see what you're getting into than to have a disabled/ sick bird that will cost you mega $$$ that you may not be prepared for. OR you can ask the owners to provide you with some medical records.

Just to give you a few "CONS" to owning these animals.. They're messy, loud, can be obnoxious during molting and/or breeding season, extremely destructive, expensive i.e. toys, food, cages, etc. and will sometimes test your patience to the limit.

the PROs. You won't find a more fun, loving, intelligent, challenging and rewarding animal. If it's one thing I've truly learned from these animals is "building" a relationship based on trust, mutual respect, patience and understanding. I can't imagine my life without mine!

IMHO, you definitely have the right outlook and attitude for having one of these animals. Good luck! We're here to help you.

All this. Yes. Etienne, my bgm, is the best thing ever. I love my conures, but Eti and I just meshed effortlessly.



My biggest gripe is that EVERYTHING for Macaws cost more. Birds are expensive as it is, yes, but Macaws need everything bigger. Think of it this way. I believe Etienne is average size atm for a blue and gold, and he's about 32 inches long.

That means any carrier I get has to accomodate that length....and that is not easy to find!

Toys are bigger, perchers, are bigger, of course cages are HUGE...it's just all relatively more because of the size--it's also harder to easily find.


But, like I said....TOTALLY worth it.



Oh, and if you're single you're going to have to worry about finding a bird tolerant partner in the future. Hah. ^^

[Whistler]

Yeah I noticed that things for Macaws are more expensive.
I believe you about "Bird Friendly" mate and I am Single.
One of the people at the Rescue I work at told me that their Macaw bonded w/ her Husband but doesn't like her. Good thing she is a bird person also she told me. Any other women and her husband would probably have to choose between them at least according to her.
I had that Issue w/ my Dog and my Ex-Girlfriend.
Happily my Dog won out ! He has been the Best dog I have ever had for sure!
I know that my future lies w/ another Animal Lover or by myself w/ my pets !